Oxygen And Hydrogen Produced Patents (Class 205/628)
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Patent number: 8968534Abstract: A process for oxidizing water using amorphous cobalt tungstate is disclosed. A plurality of amorphous cobalt tungstate nanoparticles are supported on an electrode and are able to catalytically interact with water molecules generating oxygen. The catalyst can be used as part of a electrochemical or photo-electrochemical cell for the generation of electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignees: Toyota Motor Egineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Motor CorporationInventors: Hongfei Jia, Takeshi Sekito
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Patent number: 8961748Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus, a low-pressure gas-liquid separator, a high-pressure gas-liquid separator, water pipe, and a decompression water supply device. The high-pressure gas-liquid separator separates the hydrogen received from a cathode of the water electrolysis apparatus and permeation water that has permeated from the anode. The water pipe connects the high-pressure gas-liquid separator and the low-pressure gas-liquid separator and is used for returning the water from the high-pressure gas-liquid separator to the low-pressure gas-liquid separator. The decompression water supply device is arranged at the water pipe and is to decompress the water discharged from the high-pressure gas-liquid separator.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiji Haryu, Koji Nakazawa, Masanori Okabe
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Patent number: 8945356Abstract: A high-temperature module for electrolysis of water with improved operational safety, in which steam containing at most 1% hydrogen can be made to flow simultaneously in each cathode and in each anode, as a draining gas, of a stack of cells. The stack of cells is housed in a sealed case and a mechanism for clamping by compression of the stack is included. The risks of leaks likely to cause impairments of efficiency and breakages of all or part of a stack EHT electrolyzer are reduced, while a high level of efficiency is provided due to the fact that satisfactory electrical conduction is maintained by compression of the stack.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternativesInventors: Patrick Le Gallo, Jean-Luc Sarro, Michel Planque, Magali Reytier
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Patent number: 8940152Abstract: A process is provided for producing electrolytic decomposition products of water by effecting a DC potential across a membrane comprising ripstop nylon interposed between an anode and a cathode. In electrolyzer mode, the electrochemical process produces hydrogen as well as oxygen products. In fuel-cell mode, the electrochemical process produces electricity from hydrogen and oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Inventors: Christopher M. McWhinney, David C. Erbaugh
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Patent number: 8940151Abstract: Membrane-less electrolysis systems including an electrolysis chamber having an inlet for water, a cathode associated with the electrolysis chamber that includes a plurality of apertures within the cathode that fluidly couple the chamber with a cathode fluid pathway that is fluidly coupled to a hydrogen gas collector, an anode associated with the electrolysis chamber that similarly includes a plurality of apertures fluidly coupling the chamber with an anode fluid pathway that is fluidly coupled to an oxygen gas collector, a power source electrically coupled to the cathode and anode, and a pump fluidly coupled with the water reservoir and electrolysis chamber so that the pump is configured to pump water into the electrolysis chamber, through the cathode and anode apertures, into the cathode and anode fluid pathways, respectively, and into the product gas collectors.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Advanced Hydrogen Products, LLCInventors: Jeremy L. Hartvigsen, Aaron J. Hartvigsen, Andrew J. Hartvigsen
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Patent number: 8936712Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a high-pressure hydrogen production unit for electrolyzing water to generate oxygen and high-pressure hydrogen (the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen being higher than that of the oxygen), and a gas-liquid separation unit for removing water contained in the high-pressure hydrogen. The gas-liquid separation unit is placed on a hydrogen pipe for discharging the high-pressure hydrogen from the high-pressure hydrogen production unit. In addition, the water electrolysis system includes a high-pressure hydrogen supply pipe for transferring dewatered high-pressure hydrogen from the gas-liquid separation unit, a cooling unit, which is placed on the high-pressure hydrogen supply pipe and is capable of variably controlling the temperature of the high-pressure hydrogen to adjust the humidity of the high-pressure hydrogen, and a control unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Kurashina, Koji Nakazawa, Hisashi Nagaoka, Hiroyuki Ishikawa, Yuji Yamakawa, Jun Takeuchi
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Patent number: 8932441Abstract: A system adapted to generate hydrogen and oxygen for use in hydrogen-based fuel cells is described. The system includes a power source, a first conducting element connected to a positive terminal of the power source, a second conducting element connect to a negative terminal of the power source, and a conducting medium adapted to electrically connect the first conducting element to the second conducting element.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Inventor: Jeffrey Hines
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Publication number: 20150004510Abstract: A high temperature steam electrolysis or fuel cell electric power generating facility, including at least two electrochemical reactors fluidly connected in series to each other by their cathode compartment(s). At least one heat exchanger is arranged between two reactors in series, a primary circuit of the heat exchanger being connected to an external heat source configured to provide heat to fluid(s) at an outlet of an upstream reactor prior to be introduced at an inlet of a downstream reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux ene altInventor: Luc Bertier
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Publication number: 20140377167Abstract: A method is provided for running up/starting up an electrolysis device (10), which device includes a reactor container (3) which is arranged downstream of an electrolyzer (1) and in which oxygen reacts with hydrogen into water, in order to reduce an oxygen share in a hydrogen gas flow coming from the electrolyzer (1). The electrolysis device (10) is operated with a predefined operating pressure. Upon running up/starting up the electrolyzer (1), the hydrogen gas flow coming from the electrolyzer (1) is led past the reactor container (3) via a bypass conduit (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: December 25, 2014Applicant: H-TEC SYSTEMS GmbHInventors: Nils Mantai, Claus Würfel, Dennis Wilken, Uwe Küter, Stefan Höller
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Publication number: 20140346055Abstract: Coaxial disk armatures, counter-rotating through an axial magnetic field, act as electrolysis electrodes and high shear centrifugal impellers for an axial feed. The feed can be carbon dioxide, water, methane, or other substances requiring electrolysis. Carbon dioxide and water can be processed into syngas and ozone continuously, enabling carbon and oxygen recycling at power plants. Within the space between the counter-rotating disk electrodes, a shear layer comprising a fractal tree network of radial vortices provides sink flow conduits for light fractions, such as syngas, radially inward while the heavy fractions, such as ozone and elemental carbon flow radially outward in boundary layers against the disks and beyond the disk periphery, where they are recovered as valuable products, such as carbon nanotubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Wilmot H. McCutchen, David J. McCutchen
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Patent number: 8888968Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: (i) a first hemi-enclosure; (ii) a second hemi-enclosure; (iii) a diaphragm electrode array positioned between the first hemi-enclosure and the second hemi-enclosure comprising: (a) a diaphragm, that passes ions and impedes the passage of gases, comprising a first side and a second opposed side; (b) a first plurality of electrodes in a first vicinity of the first side of the diaphragm; and (c) a second plurality of electrodes in a second vicinity of the second opposed side of the diaphragm; (iv) a fastener, for leak-tight fastening of the first hemi-enclosure, the diaphragm electrode array, and the second hemi-enclosure, whereby a leak-tight enclosure is formed; (v) contacts, for electrically powering the first and second pluralities of electrodes, and; (vi) pathways, configured to remove hydrogen and oxygen gases from the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: GTA, Inc.Inventor: Elias Stanley Greenbaum
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Publication number: 20140332402Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen for use in a subsequent methanation process includes electrochemically converting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is depleted with electrolyte aerosols. Then, the electrolyte aerosols are separated from the depleted hydrogen in a wet electrostatic precipitator in a hydrogen atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2012Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: OUTOTEC (FINLAND) OYInventors: Nikola Anastasijevic, Jan Holst, Andreas Orth, Markus Schuster, Bernd Schurtakow, Michael Stroeder
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Publication number: 20140332403Abstract: The present invention describes a diaphragm comprising SPEEK for alkaline electrolysis with a first layer having micropores and a second layer of macroporous channels which start at the contact surface between the first and the second layer then extending and forming the outer surface of the second layer, where said macroporous channels increase in section and change direction as they approach said outer surface of the second layer, and where the walls of the macrochannels are in turn macroporous. The invention also describes a production method for producing the diaphragm comprising the use of the chemically induced phase separation (CIPS) technique, and its use in alkaline electrolysis and in electrolyzers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicants: ACCIONA ENERGIA, S.A., INGETEAM POWER TECHNOLOGY, S.A.Inventors: Isabel Carrilero Borbujo, Maria Santa Maria Iruzubieta, Manuel Arruebo Gordo, Jesus Otero Cebrian, Silvia Irusta Alderete, Javier Sese Monclus
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Publication number: 20140318979Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing hydrogen and oxygen, comprising the steps of: (i) oxidising a mediator at a working electrode to yield an oxidised mediator, and reducing protons at a counter electrode to yield hydrogen; and (ii) reducing an oxidised mediator at a working electrode to yield a mediator, and oxidising water at a counter electrode to yield oxygen. wherein the oxygen generation step is performed non-simultaneously to the hydrogen generation step, and the oxidised mediator of step (i) is used as the oxidised mediator of step (ii), or the mediator of step (ii) is used as the mediator of step (i), and the mediator has a reversible redox wave lying between the onset of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Leroy Cronin, Mark Symes
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Publication number: 20140305805Abstract: The invention provides a catalytic electrode for converting molecules, the electrode comprising a predetermined number of single catalytic sites supported on a substrate. Also provided is a method for oxidizing water comprising contacting the water with size selected catalyst clusters. The invention also provides a method for reducing an oxidized moiety, the method comprising contacting the moiety with size selected catalyst clusters at a predetermined voltage potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2013Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: UChicago Argonne, LLCInventors: Stefan Vajda, Larry A. Curtiss, Michael J. Pellin
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Patent number: 8852410Abstract: An electrolytic generator to produce a stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas features a case penetration. An electrode extends through the case penetration and clamps a support plate to the inside of the case. The electrode and the support plate are electrically insulated from the case by a non-conducting bushing located within the case and between the support plate and the inside surface of the case. First and second plates are interleaved and maintained in a spaced apart relation along the first and second plate fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Inventors: Luke J. Turgeon, Eric E. Turgeon
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Publication number: 20140262819Abstract: A hydrogen and oxygen (HHO) gas on-demand electrolysis fuel cell system for use with internal combustion engines is disclosed. This hydrogen on-demand (HOD) system integrates with the engine control module (ECM) or other control system that regulates the operation of an internal combustion engine in order to supply HHO to the engine and improve the engine's overall fuel efficiency. This system includes an electrolyte fluid reservoir outfitted with level, pressure and temperature sensors; a pump and heat exchanger; a uniquely-configured electrolyzer; and a filter. The combined engine and HOD system is controlled and regulated by an electronic control system (ECS) and a combustion control module (CCM). The CCM is installed on the engine such that it actively intercepts the electronic signals from the engine manufacturer's ECM to continuously coordinate the functions and operations of the HOD system and the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: NRG LOGISTICS, LLCInventors: DAVID TODD FORBES, JEREMY GREEN, CHRIS KRUCKENBERG
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Publication number: 20140242478Abstract: A redox device, in particular a hydrogen-oxygen redox device, has at least one redox unit, in particular a hydrogen-oxygen redox unit, which is intended for carrying out at least one redox reaction with consumption and/or production of a first gas, in particular hydrogen gas, and/or of a second gas, in particular oxygen gas. The redox device includes at least one residual gas purification unit which frees at least one residual gas in the redox unit of at least one gas impurity at least in at least one rest mode of the redox unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: ASTRIUM GMBHInventors: Walter JEHLE, Joachim LUCAS, Sebastian MARKGRAF
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Patent number: 8815075Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus for electrically decomposing water to generate oxygen and high-pressure hydrogen having a pressure higher than the oxygen, a gas-liquid separator connected to a hydrogen pipe which discharges the high-pressure hydrogen from the water electrolysis apparatus, for separating water contained in the high-pressure hydrogen, a high-pressure hydrogen outlet pipe for delivering the high-pressure hydrogen separated from water from the gas-liquid separator, a water drainage line for discharging the water from the gas-liquid separator, and a gas depressurizing line connected to the gas-liquid separator, for degassing the gas-liquid separator before the water is discharged from the water drainage line into the water drainage line.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Takeuchi, Koji Nakazawa, Hisashi Nagaoka, Tetsuya Yoshida, Masanori Okabe, Daisuke Kurashina, Aoi Miyake
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Patent number: 8808512Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: (i) a first hemi-enclosure; (ii) a second hemi-enclosure; (iii) a diaphragm electrode array positioned between the first hemi-enclosure and the second hemi-enclosure comprising: (a) a diaphragm, that passes ions and impedes the passage of gases, comprising a first side and a second opposed side; (b) a first plurality of electrodes in a first vicinity of the first side of the diaphragm; and (c) a second plurality of electrodes in a second vicinity of the second opposed side of the diaphragm; (iv) a fastener, for leak-tight fastening of the first hemi-enclosure, the diaphragm electrode array, and the second hemi-enclosure, whereby a leak-tight enclosure is formed; (v) contacts, for electrically powering the first and second pluralities of electrodes, and; (vi) pathways, configured to remove hydrogen and oxygen gases from the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: GTA, Inc.Inventor: Elias Greenbaum
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Patent number: 8808528Abstract: Electrolyte supply tanks and bubbler tanks for oxyhydrogen gas generation systems are provided which eliminate the introduction of electrolyte and water into the induction systems of internal combustion engines. Both types of tanks are equipped with porous polyethylene gas diffusers which break up incoming gas into microscopic bubbles, thereby facilitating the absorption of electrolyte mist and droplets returning to the electrolyte supply tank and minimizing splashing of incoming gas in bubbler tanks. Air diffusers having an average pore diameter of about 70 ?m are installed near the bottom of the electrolyte supply tanks, while air diffusers having an average pore diameter of about 35 ?m are installed near the bottom of the bubbler tanks.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Inventor: David Thomas Richardson
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Publication number: 20140224668Abstract: A method for operating an electrolytic cell for electrolytic water splitting in which at least one membrane is supplied with water in a passive manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Astrium GmbHInventors: Walter JEHLE, Joachim LUCAS, Willigert RAATSCHEN
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Publication number: 20140219911Abstract: The present invention discloses a class of organometallic catalysts for both hydrogenation and water oxidation. The synthesis and the use of these catalysts for hydrogenation, hydrogen production and water oxidation reactions is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMAInventors: Elizabeth T. Papish, Ismael Nieto
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Patent number: 8795481Abstract: A power generation system including an electrolyzer may be optimized taking non-linear operational constraints into account with lower processing requirements than current solutions in real time. A pre-processing module assesses non-linear operational constraints in a low-overhead manner and passes results to an optimization module. The optimization module determines an operating power value constrained in accordance with results from the pre-processing module. A post-processing module uses results from the pre-processing and optimization modules to assemble instructions to control the electrolyzer. As a result, optimization may be performed in real time.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mohammad Reza Dadash Zadeh, Amirhossein Hajimiragha, Michael Joseph Krok
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Patent number: 8784619Abstract: A portable, on-demand hydrogen generation system is provided for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines, more particularly to vehicles. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen and oxygen is passed back thru the supply tank for distribution and water preservation. The gases are kept separate by a divider in the tank and the water level in the tank. In the case of gasoline engines, the hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is optionally powered by the vehicle battery, a stand alone battery, waste heat of the internal combustion engine or solar energy. The system utilizes a vacuum switch or other engine sensor that permits power to the device and therefore hydrogen production only when the engine is in operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: HNO Green Fuels, Inc.Inventor: Donald W Owens
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Patent number: 8764953Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising a heat source to provide heat at the desired temperature and energy field (e.g. a solar concentrator); an electron source configured and operable to emit electrons; an electric field generator generating an electric field adapted to supply energy sufficient to dissociate gas molecules; and a reaction gas chamber configured and operable to cause interaction between the electrons with the molecules, such that the electrons dissociate the molecules to product compound and ions via dissociative electrons attachment (DEA) within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd.Inventors: Jacob Karni, Gidon Ferdiman, Yury Alioshin
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Patent number: 8747648Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for treating liquids, particularly ocean, brackish water, refuse liquid, and waste water, wherein a hot carrier gas flow charged with water vapor is present in a predetermined treatment step as a hot water vapor carrier gas flow, particularly from a device for the treatment of liquids. According to the invention, at least a partial flow of the hot water vapor carrier gas flow is subjected to water vapor electrolysis in a water vapor electrolysis device in which at least part of the hydrogen and oxygen is separated from the hot water vapor carrier gas flow, and a dried carrier gas flow is created.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventors: Neubert Joachim, Karl Ferdinand Staab
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Publication number: 20140150448Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing electricity, hydrogen gas, oxygen gas, pure water using a geothermal heat are disclosed. A low voltage (such as less than 0.9V) is applied to a prepared solution containing hydrogen generating catalysts to generate hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen are used to drive a gas turbine to generate electricity. The oxygen and hydrogen are combusted to generate heat and pure water. This process is advantageous in many aspects including desalinating salt/sea water using geothermal heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventor: Jeffrey M. Carey
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Patent number: 8741123Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus including an electrolyte membrane. The electrolyte membrane is provided between an anode and a cathode. The water electrolysis apparatus is configured to generate oxygen on a side of the anode and hydrogen on a side of the cathode at a pressure higher than a pressure of the oxygen through electrolysis of water. A gas-liquid separation apparatus separates unreacted water and produced gas discharged from a water outlet of the water electrolysis apparatus. A water circulation apparatus circulates the water between the water electrolysis apparatus and the gas-liquid separation apparatus. The water circulation apparatus includes a return pipe having an on-off valve and connecting the water outlet and the gas-liquid separation apparatus. A hydrogen exhaust pipe is connected to the return pipe between the water outlet and the on-off value and extends upward from the water electrolysis apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Takeuchi, Masanori Okabe, Hisashi Nagaoka, Koji Nakazawa
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Patent number: 8734632Abstract: Apparatus and operating methods are provided for controlled atmosphere furnace systems. In one possible embodiment, hydrogen is injected from a hydrogen source to an enclosure. The hydrogen is circulated within the enclosure from a gas inlet to a gas outlet. A temperature is raised within the enclosure to a predetermined threshold. Hydrogen is pumped from the gas outlet to the gas inlet with an electrochemical hydrogen pump. The electrochemical hydrogen pump has a first electrode in fluid communication with the gas outlet, and a second electrode in fluid communication with the gas inlet. An electrical potential is provided between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a higher electrical potential with respect to zero than the second electrode. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: H2 Pump, LLCInventor: Glenn A. Eisman
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Patent number: 8734623Abstract: Techniques for maintenance-free on-demand high-efficient hydrogen generation using a small amount of electricity are described. A piece of foam is provided in the fluid used to generate the hydrogen. The foam, similar to a sponge structure, includes a plurality of open cells to accommodate the fluid. In a sense, the foam has been made to have the maximum contact with the fluid. When applied on with an electrical power (current or voltage), the fluid causes electrolysis and pyrolysis to happen so as to generate hydrogen and oxygen (oxy-hydrogen). Depending on implementation, the electrical power is electronically pulsed electricity and helps drive the fluid in a container to vibrate at an electrical resonance of the container.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Powerquest LLCInventors: Patrick Zuili, Daren Stabinski, Todd Stabinski, George Bitton
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Patent number: 8721867Abstract: A water electrolysis apparatus applies an electrolysis voltage between current collectors disposed on the respective sides of an electrolyte membrane thereby to electrolyze water to generate oxygen in an anode electrolysis chamber and hydrogen in a cathode electrolysis chamber under a pressure higher than a normal pressure. The water electrolysis apparatus is shut down by applying a voltage between the current collectors after the cathode electrolysis chamber stops supplying the hydrogen, reducing a pressure in at least the cathode electrolysis chamber while the voltage is being applied, and stopping applying the voltage when the pressure in the cathode electrolysis chamber is equal to a pressure in the anode electrolysis chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Taruya, Masanori Okabe, Aoi Miyake, Jun Takeuchi
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Patent number: 8709221Abstract: An embodiment of a system and method provides a current regulating device that controls or regulates the current provided to electrolysis chambers that produce hydrogen and oxygen gases. One embodiment of the current regulating device uses the temperature of the fluid in the electrolysis chambers to control the widths of the pulses delivered to the electrolysis chambers to regulate production. Another embodiment of the current regulating device regulates and limits the average current delivered to the electrolysis chambers by adjusting the pulse widths, according to the current demanded during each conduction pulse.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventor: Andrew L. Smith
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Patent number: 8709132Abstract: In some implementations, a system for disassociating water includes a decomposition chamber, a heating element, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and a water inlet. The heating element is positioned in the decomposition chamber and configured to generate heat sufficient to dissociate at least a portion of water to hydrogen and oxygen. The plurality of hollow fiber membranes include at least a section of each hollow fiber membrane that passes through the decomposition chamber and has an inner conduit and an outer wall. The inner conduit for each hollow fiber membrane is configured to pass a sweep gas, and the outer wall for each hollow fiber membrane is configured to selectively pass either oxygen or hydrogen. The water inlet connected to the decomposition chamber and configured to pass water vapor into the decomposition chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Stellar Generation, LLCInventor: Jerome Lee Elkind
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Patent number: 8702916Abstract: A hydrogen supplementation fuel apparatus and method having a power source, a hydrogen generator and an accumulator for supplementing hydrogen gas to improve the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines. The hydrogen generator uses electrodes that are helically wound about a separator to increase the hydrogen generation output.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Clean-Fuel Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel McBride, Dominic Ciacelli
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Patent number: 8691070Abstract: An electrolysis system which comprises a generator adapted to hold water and gases with a first and second electrode, a bubbler reservoir connected to the generator via hoses adapted to dispense water from the bubbler reservoir into the generator and adapted to allow oxygen and hydrogen gas from the generator to rise into the bubbler reservoir with dryers adapted to hold water and gases fluidly, deliver oxygen and hydrogen gas, to hold acetic add and gases, and adapted to connect to an engine, allowing hydrogen gas to pass to the engine, and a controller connected with electrodes to provide an electric current so that water in the generator is converted to oxygen and hydrogen gas via standard electrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventors: William J. Burkett, Kenneth Buchanan
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Publication number: 20140090986Abstract: Features for an aqueous reactor include a field generator. The field generator includes a series of parallel conductive plates including a series of intermediate neutral plates. The intermediate neutral plates are arranged in interleaved sets between an anode and a cathode. Other features of the aqueous reactor may include a sealed reaction vessel, fluid circulation manifold, electrical power modulator, vacuum port, and barrier membrane. Methods of using the field generator include immersion in an electrolyte solution and application of an external voltage and vacuum to generate hydrogen and oxygen gases. The reactor and related components can be arranged to produce gaseous fuel or liquid fuel. In one use, a mixture of a carbon based material and a liquid hydrocarbon is added. The preferred carbon based material is powdered coal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Inventor: Gary J. Bethurem
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Patent number: 8685223Abstract: A method for operating a water electrolysis system includes determining whether or not a water electrolysis apparatus is shut down. The water electrolysis system includes the water electrolysis apparatus, a water circulation apparatus, and a gas-liquid separation apparatus. The water electrolysis apparatus includes power feeders provided on an anode side and a cathode side of an electrolyte membrane. The water electrolysis apparatus generates oxygen on the anode side and generates hydrogen on the cathode side at a higher pressure than a pressure of the oxygen by electrolysis of water. Pressure on the cathode side is released when it is determined that the water electrolysis apparatus is shut down. The water circulation apparatus is operated until a concentration of hydrogen remaining on the anode side is a specified value or less under a condition in which a release of pressure on the cathode side is completed.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Kurashina, Kenji Taruya, Jun Takeuchi
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Patent number: 8685224Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating hydrogen gas includes a reactor vessel in which electrolysis takes place in water, an electrical current source coupled to the reactor, and a chemical energy conversion device that converts chemical energy to electrical current by reacting hydrogen gas with oxygen gas. Conduits convey the gases from the reactor to the conversion device, and safety devices and controls maintain safe and efficient operation of the system. A backfire suppression apparatus may be used to prevent a backfire from propagating backward through the system and causing damage, while a buffer tank may ensure that the gases supplied to the chemical energy conversion device are substantially free of liquid water or other contaminants. One or more heat exchangers maintain an optimal temperature range for the water inside the reactor, and a programmable logic controller may be provided to monitor and control the operation of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Innovative Energy Systems and Design, LLCInventors: Tony W. Russo, Pamela Restis
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Patent number: 8679305Abstract: A high-pressure hydrogen producing apparatus includes a cell device and a piston member. The piston member is to apply a pressing force to the cell device from an end of the piston member in a stacking direction in which unit cells are stacked. The piston member is provided with a first hydrogen passage, at least one second hydrogen passage, and a hydrogen lead-out passage. The first hydrogen passage and the second hydrogen passage are spaced at substantially equal angular intervals on a virtual circle centered on a center of an end face of the piston member.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Nakazawa, Hiroyuki Ishikawa, Yuji Yamakawa
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Patent number: 8668814Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy Edward McAlister
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Publication number: 20140061060Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: MCALISTER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
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Patent number: 8663434Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis device, a gas-liquid separator, a water-amount detector, a hydrogen storage device, a hydrogen storage device, a decompressing device, and a control device. The control device includes a residual capacity calculator, a hydrogen production amount calculator, and an electrolysis termination determiner. The residual capacity calculator is configured to calculate a residual capacity of the hydrogen storage device. The hydrogen production amount calculator is configured to calculate an amount of hydrogen produced by the water electrolysis device in a drainage period in which the amount of water in the gas-liquid separator increases to an upper limit from a lower limit. The electrolysis termination determiner is configured to terminate the water electrolysis process when the amount of hydrogen calculated by the hydrogen production amount calculator is greater than the residual capacity calculated by the residual capacity calculator.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jun Takeuchi
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Patent number: 8663448Abstract: Apparatus and operating methods are provided for controlled atmosphere furnace systems. In one possible embodiment, hydrogen is injected from a hydrogen source to an enclosure. The hydrogen is circulated within the enclosure from a gas inlet to a gas outlet. A temperature is raised within the enclosure to a predetermined threshold. Hydrogen is pumped from the gas outlet to the gas inlet with an electrochemical hydrogen pump. The electrochemical hydrogen pump has a first electrode in fluid communication with the gas outlet, and a second electrode in fluid communication with the gas inlet. An electrical potential is provided between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a higher electrical potential with respect to zero than the second electrode. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: H2 Pump, LLCInventor: Glenn A Eisman
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Patent number: 8658008Abstract: A high-pressure hydrogen producing apparatus includes a first cell device and a second cell device. The first cell device includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode catalyst layer and an anode current collector provided on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode electrode catalyst layer and a cathode current collector provided on a second surface of the electrolyte membrane. The second cell device includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode current collector provided on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane of the second cell device, and a cathode current collector provided on a second surface of the electrolyte membrane of the second cell device.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Takeuchi, Kenji Taruya
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Patent number: 8652319Abstract: A system and a method for cleaving water by means of hyperpolarization, the system has a first electrode and at least one additional electrode; at least one porous ferroelectric layer arranged between the first and the additional electrode; as well as an AC voltage or pulsed DC voltage source. With this method it is possible to cleave the water economically into hydrogen and oxygen and obtain gases for technical purposes.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Inventors: Walter Kothe, Harald Adam, Dieter Gruetzmann
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Publication number: 20140042035Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for polynuclear manganese cluster compounds, methods of making, methods of use, method of producing hydrogen and oxygen from water, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventors: Galia Maayan, George Christou
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Patent number: 8647494Abstract: A method of electrolysing water, using a water electrolyser having cathode and anode compartments respectively on either side of a hydrophilic polymer cation-exchange membrane, the method comprising: (i) adding water to the anode compartment only, such that the cathode compartment is predominantly free of water in liquid form; (ii) electrolysing the water to form hydrogen gas in the cathode compartment and oxygen gas in the anode compartment; and (iii) re-circulating the hydrogen gas through the cathode compartment.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: ITM Power (Research) Ltd.Inventor: Donald James Highgate
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Patent number: 8647478Abstract: An electrolyser for high-temperature electrolysis configured to operate in an allothermal mode, including an enclosure configured to maintain an electrolytic bath under high or very high pressure of several tens of bars, in which at least one electrolysis plate is arranged, and a heater internal to the enclosure. The electrolysis plate includes a plurality of electrolysis cells lying side by side in substantially one same plane, each electrolysis cell including an anode and a cathode. The heater uses a heat-carrier fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventor: Patrick Aujollet
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Patent number: 8641875Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising: a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the first electrode is configured to control the location of nucleation of the gas by substantially separating the location of electron transfer and nucleation.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy Edward McAlister